Personal Feminine Issue

[KrisT]

I have a lot of issues... but one issue that is really bothering me I am wondering about in terms of celiac. Sexual intercourse is incredibly painful for me, not always, but most of the time. It has gotten worse since my c-section 5+ years ago. We found out 9 months after the c-section that I had an infected uterus! Anyway it seems to be much worse if I am having bowel issues from my diet. I have often wondered if it is actually my intestines that are painful and not my feminine parts. Does anyone else have a similar issue? If you have the intestinal damage is it ever painful to the point of tears? Sometimes I end up curling up in a ball and needing a heating pad after... and my husband is not in any way forceful, he will stop immediately when it is hurting me. I just need to know if I should be more concered gynologically or intestinally at this point. Either way, I know something is very wrong.

[tarnalberry]

I have a condition that makes sex painful, but it is most definitely gynecological, not intestinal.

*fair warning - I'm gonna talk about girly parts - stop reading if you're unhappy about the prospect of reading about female anatomy and it's relation to sex*

One of the things to see if you can separate out is the location and type of pain. There's a muscle that starts at the front of the pubis, surrounds the opening of the vagina, and then extends around the anus as well, to connect back at the coccyx. If the muscle there is having issues (be it chronically spasming and hence shortened, torn, etc.), it can cause pain. That will cause pain at the entrance to the vagina.

In the same location, vulvodynia (which I have a subset of - vulvar vestibulitis) causes pain (usually burning/itching), at the opening of the vagina. It can be just during sex, or at other times, and it's not really known what causes the problem.

Another option, which can be mistaken more easily for intestinal pain, is if your husband is hitting your cervix. That is *not* comfortable! Ugh! Kinda like a kick in the gut, but very generalized. Changes to position can help prevent that from occuring.

It's *ABSOLUTELY* worth checking with your doctor, but be prepared that many gynecologists do not know a whole lot about female sexual pain conditions, and you may need to do plenty of followup on your own. This is starting to change, but with even less publicity than celiac (who wants to talk about vagina's in public?), it's going to be a long road. You might check out "The V Book", a nice little book that is kinda an owner's guide to the female reproductive system.

[Lisa]

KrisT:

My issues are age related. I think that way Tiffany said about it being a GYN issue, and a professional opinion would be good.

I did read here a few days ago that 90% of the fluids that we take in is through our small intestines. Perhaps, additional fluids may help a little.

I do think that you need a professional to deal with this, and I hope you find some answers.

[KrisT]

Thank you for responding. The pain is like someone has hit me in the gut with a baseball bat. It is not vaginal in any way. I also don't believe it is the cervix unless something in my body has changed because I have not always felt like this with my husband. I used to suffer from polycystic ovaries and had severe pain with that, however that pain was more localized and I could tell which ovary the cyst was on by where the pain was. Lately the pain seems to be all over the lower abdomin. (think period cramps)

We don't have insurance, and I am having a severe problem with my teeth right now (thank you celiac!) so my first priority is the dentist bill. But as soon as I can save up a little I will get to an OB. I just wanted to see if any other celiacs that don't have GYN issues have experienced pain.

[Lisa]

I get soreness after I have been glutened, after the diarrhea has passed. But it is nothing like you have described. Perhaps someone will post in the morning. You know the board is always slow on the weekend. I hope you can find a answer.

[tarnalberry]

* sex talk warning - keep scrolling if it bothers you... *

The cervix can shift position, so - since you can't get to a doctor right now - you might try keeping track of whether or not different positions (different levels of penetration) make any difference. I hope you can get in soon - that really doesn't sound good, and like something that should be looked at soon.

[KrisT]

Thanks again. I will get to a doc as soon as I can. Until then... well, its just no fun! : (

[zansu]

But it's supposed to be fun ....

I had pain from intercourse for the 6 years I was trying to get diagnosed. Of course, I pretty much just ached from the bottom of the rib-cage to the pelvis for the entire six years so it's no wonder. The pain with intercourse went away after my intestines healed from the gluten-free diet, but it takes a while. Still, rule out other problems....

[KrisT]

I know, and I so miss the fun part!!

I've been gluten-free for almost 6 months now. I've glutened myself at least twice a month since going gluten-free though, so I know I have a lot more recovering to do. Its wonderful (and I am so sorry to say that) to hear that you had pain from the ribs down. I can truly relate to that. I have felt a great deal better since the change in diet, but not everything has gone away yet. I'm just hoping that I can continue to feel better and not take 3 steps forward and 2 back.

[Heather22]

Hi KrisT

From a girl with no gyn. problems, I have experienced pain from sex in the past. For a good year after I was diagnosed, I felt pain and discomfort. I had always related it to my intestine and bowels. I figured that having an inflammed small intestine and having D all the time, my lower abdomen must be very sensitive.

After being gluten-free for the past few years (and going off the birth control pill), I've found that I am pain-free.

In the meantime, I would focus on staying gluten-free and letting your body heal. Hope you get well soon.

Lots of luck!

H : )

[jerseyangel]

Hi KrisT,

I'm sorry that you're having so much pain. As everyone has already stated, there could be many reasons for this.

Endometriosis can cause the type of pain you describe--especially the pain during sex. Also, fibroid tumors and ovarian cysts can also cause pain (I have both of these, and last month, literally almost passed out from the pain)

I understand that right now, money is tight. When you can do it, I would suggest getting a checkup from a gynecologist and a pelvic ultrasound.

[Budew]

This is about your teeth. I spent a lot going to the dentist. My dental problems have improved since I stopped using toothpaste. I use baking soda. For years I have had dental pain. When ever I had a real problem it was related to infection. When I lowered my salicylates the sinuses cleared and when I stopped using toothpaste my dental concerns evaporated. No dental pain for the first time in 30 years.

[KrisT]

I was misdiagnosed with endo when I was very young and every ultrasound and many surgeries since have shown that I do not actually have it. I am all too familiar with the cyst pain and I know exactly how that feels. Lately it has been different, not so localized, more general. My last check up was over 2 years ago so it is definitely a priority to get in , I know. It will be interesting to see if my cervix has changed, or if it is something else I am not thinking of.

Very interesting about your teeth! I have been having severe problems on one side of my mouth for a couple of years now. I've had 3 root canals and then lost 2 of those teeth because the shattered. Now the final tooth is infected along with the one behind it. I am afraid I will loose them all!! I'm too young to have lost so many teeth! My entire jaw line has shifted and my bite is only connecting one tooth, the infected one, and I have TMJ. So with all the pressure being put on one set of teeth its no wonder I'm infected! I wear a homemade mouth gaurd at night to keep the teeth apart, but now it is so bad that I have to get in. I have an appointment today. I only use Tom's toothpaste, almost never with flouride! And I use mouthwash BEFORE I brush. The key is to use it before you brush so that you rinse away the harmful alcohol after it has had a chance to kill some of the bacteria. I always get complimented byt he dentist at how well I take care of my teeth, but now I am just loosing tham all.

Thank you all for sharing on this very personal issue. Heck we can all discuss the color and length of our poo so I thought it wouldn't be too bad to ask on here about this! LOL

[Jestgar]

Hi Kris,

check out Planned Parenthood. They usually have a full women's clinic and charge on a sliding fee scale.

[chrissy]

adhesions from your c-section could be another possibility.